A Day on the Bad Dog: Two Anglers, One Unforgettable Trip

*Trip Report by MFCC members Carl Schwartz and Bill Imbergamo *

October 11th, 2025

On a perfect fall morning, two MFCC members—Carl Schwartz, a newcomer to Cape Cod eager to learn the local waters, and Bill Imbergamo, an experienced fly fisherman looking for a change of pace—stepped aboard Captain Mike Fowler’s Bad Dog out of Sesuit Harbor in Dennis.

I asked them both if they’d like to write a report about their experience. Here’s how the same five-hour flounder trip looked through two different sets of eyes. 

Setting Out: A Newcomer’s Excitement

Carl: Moving to Cape Cod has been a true adventure for my wife and me. Just two months ago, we packed up our life in Newton and settled into Sandwich, eager to embrace everything this beautiful region has to offer. One of my biggest goals was to immerse myself in the local fishing culture, which is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. Cape Cod is legendary for its diverse marine life and strong community of anglers, so I was excited to get my feet wet—both literally and figuratively.

After a few casual fishing outings on my own, I started looking for ways to take a more active role and meet others who share my passion. That’s when I discovered My Fishing Cape Cod—a group offering guided fishing trips organized by knowledgeable captains (among many other things MFCC does). From the start, their trips stood out for their variety, reasonable prices, and the sheer ease of booking. It couldn’t have been simpler to sign up. On a recommendation, I decided to join a flounder trip led by Captain Mike Fowler aboard his boat, the Bad Dog. The reviews I read promised a memorable time and plenty of fish, and both turned out to be true.

Bill: I’m mostly a fly fisherman, so this was a fun change of pace for me (and a chance to bring home some fish, rather than just “playing with my food” as my wife likes to say about my striper fishing). After a tough season trying to catch stripers from shore, this trip was good for the soul and good for the freezer. I booked through MFCC and was looking forward to a productive morning on the water.

Early Morning: Perfect Conditions

Carl: Our day began at Sesuit Harbor in Dennis at 6:30 AM, which I found to be a reasonable start time compared to other charters I’ve tried elsewhere. Captain Mike was ready, and we headed out immediately. The boat itself impressed me with its smooth ride and comfortable setup; it’s clearly designed for both serious anglers and those who are not thrilled to be on the water. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for fishing, starting calm and later warming up with sunshine that made the whole morning even better.

Bill: With benign weather and calm seas, we had ideal conditions. After a bit of a chilly start, the clouds cleared and the winds laid down. The cooler weather kept the boat traffic to a minimum, so it was one of the quieter days I’ve spent on or near the water this year. By the time we were off the water, it was a gorgeous fall Cape Cod day.

The Fishing Begins: First Hookups and Surprises

Carl: There were five participants on our trip, and I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. It made the experience even more enjoyable and set the tone for a relaxed, fun outing. Not long after we started fishing—barely five minutes in, actually—the first flounder was landed. It was quickly apparent that Captain Mike really knows his stuff. He found productive spots right away and switched locations whenever the bite slowed down, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

Bill: My first hook up was with a Jonah crab—decidedly a “non-target” species, but cool to see before he let go upon spotting my ugly mug. Bergall, Black Sea Bass, and Tautog all came over the rail, and legal species in season were kept (I wasn’t paying attention to which were which). We had to send a few dogfish on their way too, and Cap. Mike got some skates to use as lobster trap bait.

Mid-Trip: Learning the Technique

Carl: Each new spot yielded fish for someone, and the variety was impressive: beyond flounder, we caught and released black bass, dogfish, perch, skate, and more crabs than I could keep track of. The chatter on the boat was friendly and funny. One aspect that stood out to me was how much actual fishing we did—there wasn’t any wasted time.

Bill: After sifting through those non-target species, we made a move that paid off with reliable flounder numbers. While I’ve never looked down my nose at bait fishermen (ok, I started flyfishing at 23, so I probably did for at least a little while), I learned that hooking a flounder and getting it all the way to the boat takes some finesse and feel. One of the heavier of the four flounder that I caught bit so light initially I thought I had another Bergall. And I fed lots of clam bellies to the bottom feeding fish, missing several flounder in the process, most likely. A gentle hookset, and slow but steady pressure were key to landing the fish.

Guys traded fishing and hunting stories as the fish kept coming over the rail. One guy caught a “trophy” spider crab, another won the title of “Dogfish King.”

The Crew: Trevor’s Expert Support

Carl: Our first mate, Trevor, deserves special mention for his constant support. He made sure everyone had the right bait, untangled our lines when needed, and was genuinely friendly throughout. As the hours passed, our flounder catch grew to 26 keepers, some of them quite sizable. Towards the end of the trip, Trevor began filleting our catch, providing another thoughtful service that made the day smooth from start to finish.

Bill: We boated 26 keeper flounder, the biggest in the 3-lb range. Cap. Mike and his mate Trevor got fish dispatched, bled, and on ice quickly, and bagged up filets were handed out minutes after tying up at the dock.

Heading Home: A Cooler Full of Success

Carl: When we returned to the dock, the catch was distributed evenly, and though I didn’t weigh mine, it was easily 3-4 pounds of fresh fillets to bring home. Reflecting on the day, I cannot say enough good things about the team at My Fishing Cape Cod, Captain Mike, and the crew of the Bad Dog. For newcomers like me, this is truly the best way to get involved, pick up local tips, and meet good people. I’ve fished in many places, yet never found a community or trip quite like this one. If you’re considering joining, don’t hesitate—you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories, new friends, and a cooler full of fish. For us, tonight’s fish tacos are just the beginning of many delicious meals—and many more adventures ahead.

Bill: Looking forward to dinner tonight, and maybe the next couple of nights if we lose power in the supposed incoming Nor’easter. This trip was exactly what I needed—great fishing, great company, and a freezer full of fresh flounder.